Alligator discovered at the side of Indiana highway

FISHERS, Ind., Oct. 14 (UPI) -- Authorities in Indiana said a motorist driving along Interstate 69 discovered an alligator at the side of the road.

Fishers police spokesman Tom Weger said police captured the 3-foot gator Friday night and took it to a rescue center in Strawtown, the Indianapolis Star reported Monday.

"It appeared that it had been out and about for a while," Weger said. "It was pretty dirty. It looked like it had been living in a mud pit."

Weger said the state Department of Natural Resources told police no special permits are required for alligator ownership in Indiana.

He said officers suspect the gator escaped from its owner's yard.

"Either that, or they thought they couldn't take care of it any longer," Weger said.